Deadwood, S.D.

[Bob Wood]

Having been to Deadwood a number of times in the last couple years I find the place quit amazing. The folks in charge have done a great job in restoring/preserving the look and feel of an Old West Town.

I have heard and read from people who dislike all the gambling Deadwood provides today and I ask them," What do you think Deadwood was like in 1876 ? ". They usually get a case of the -Yah butts- and then just repeats their dislike of the gambling. To me, that was Deadwood in its day.

When I go out to Deadwood, I make a point to gamble in the #10 Saloon (yes I know it's not where Bill was killed). I also make it to the original location of the #10 as well as many other places.

I wish Dodge City had been preserved like Deadwood and like Tombstone (another great town to visit).

What other Old West towns have been preserved with the feel of the period and embraces gaming and taking a nip of the critter ?

[Murray A. Gewirtz]

I've got to say a word or two for Las Vegas, Nevada. It is what it is. It's not a historic site that was demolished and renovated totally out of character with history. It was built out of character with it's natural surroundings, but so was practically every city. Las Vegas is a playground, a Disneyland, a Fantasyland mostly for adults, though, in recent years it has geared more attractions and amusements to kids, as well. Overblown, overdone, glitzy and gaudy and overbright with neon it is, but in its way it is also beautiful, amazing, eye-popping, and magnificent, with grandiose architecture mimicking sites around the world and across the centuries. It's reminiscent of some of the lavish saloons in some Old West towns, and the the portraits of buxom ladies over the bar that some here  have admired. People don't live in Las Vegas, but nearby, in communities like Henderson, but it's a great place to visit once in a while. If you're into gambling, OK, but you can have a good time in Vegas now without touching a slot machine or poker chip.

As to Atlantic City, NJ, it still is a pale shadow of Las Vegas.

 

[Dave McGowan]

I've mentioned it before and I'll be doing so many times in the future because I love the place. I also have it appearing at the end of one of my novels and have started another one with the town as a a background.

It was started in 1862, more than half of it was burned down in Sept. 1868, and mostly rebuilt by the New Year. The price of gold began to drop at that time but the town remained in the gold business right into the 20th century.

It has been rebuilt and a few small things are added every year. There is no gambling but there are bed an breakfasts, period eateries and great live theatre both in the Theatre Royal and on the streets.

Pictures can be seen on my provile.

Barkerville.